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Amid a rise in Covid-19 and influenza cases in Thane, the city’s civic body chief on Friday asked the health department officials to remain vigilant. Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) commissioner Abhijit Bangar said that the city has reported 25 cases of H3N2 (influenza) in the last 15 days, while one person died due to the infection. "All doctors in the city have been instructed to start treatment immediately without waiting for test results if a person shows any symptoms of H3N2 (influenza)," he added. The Thane civic body chief has asked the health department to give guidelines to all doctors in this regard. Also Read: Maha: Parts of Thane to face 15 percent water cut for 30 days beginning March 31 Bangar said that the role of private doctors is important in curbing influenza cases in the city. "Many citizens consult private doctors first when they have any illnesses. If H3N2 is not treated properly, it can lead to serious consequences. So, the role of private doctors is important," he said. "The private doctors will be guided by the health department. At the Civic Health Center level, the medical officers have formed a WhatsApp group of private doctors and through that coordination is being maintained. Guidelines have been given to all private doctors on what to do after a patient with a fever arrives. Even instructions have been given to the private doctors to immediately inform the concerned medical officers if a patient has H3N2 symptoms," Bangar added. A release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,53,116 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 29). Among them, 2,018 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 442 and 346, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas five H3N2 suspected death is also reported. It further said that 89 patients are hospitalised.
31 March,2023 05:03 PM IST | Thane | Ronak MastakarDelhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will on Friday hold a meeting to review the Covid-19 situation amid a spurt in cases in the national capital, officials said. Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj and senior officials will be present at the meeting. On Thursday, Bharadwaj met with Health department officials to take stock of the situation following which he announced that Kejriwal would hold a review. Also Read: Maharashtra: As cases rise, Solapur, Sangli districts top Covid-19 positivity chart The health minister had said Kejriwal would be apprised of the results of the mock drill held in government-run hospitals last week and the measures taken by other states also witnessing a spike in cases. The national capital recorded 295 fresh Covid cases on Thursday with a positivity rate of 12.48 per cent, according to data shared by the Health department. On Wednesday, the city logged 300 cases, the first time since August 31, and two deaths while the positivity rate had jumped to 13.89 per cent. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
31 March,2023 09:21 AM IST | New Delhi | PTIA release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,53,116 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 29). Among them, 2018 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 442 and 346, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas five H3N2 suspected death is also reported. It further said that 89 patients are hospitalised. However, the release added a note saying, "Apart from this, 1 suspicious death has been reported from Washim. The cause of all these deaths will be ascertained after post-mortem." Also read: Maharashtra: 73-year-old man who tested positive for H3N2 virus dies in Pimpri-Chinchwad As a part of preventive and remedial measures, the release stated that "routine patient survey for covid-19/influenza resident survey instructions have been issued." "Similarly, all District Health Officers, District Surgeons and Medical Health Officers of the state have been instructed by the VC," it read. The release also mentioned that "flu-like patients are treated without delay according to classification." "Isolation rooms have been set up in government hospitals as well as medical college hospitals in the state," it added.
30 March,2023 06:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the pubic hair. Irrespective of gender identities, the desirability to have smooth, glossy skin has increased manifold over the past few decades. People enjoy the feel of shaved skin for optics as well as physical touch. Some also believe that a clean skin paves way for hygiene in their intimate areas. But how legitimate is the claim, clinically? Sahil Arora, 29, gets his boy-bits waxed every three weeks. In a conversation with Midday.com, he reveals that he is waxed by the same male beautician who services Hrithik Roshan. When asked about why he chooses to get waxed, he said “I have a strong aversion towards body hair since my adolescence. Not only my intimate parts, but I also get my chest waxed to feel comfortable in my skin.” Dr Anagha Chhatrapati, consultant gynaecologist and obstetrician, Global Hospital, Parel shares that the role of pubic hair has evolved with over generations. “In ancient times, it was a marker of sexual maturity and would help people choose the right mate for reproductive functions.” To understand the role of pubic hair in human anatomy, we spoke to obstetricians and gynaecologists from Mumbai. Myths about pubic hairWith a lackadaisical sex education system in the country, there are multiple myths that have sprouted up around pubic hair. Dr Pratima Thamke, consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, Motherhood Hospital, Kharghar debunks common myths with fact-based evidences: Myth: Pubic hair is a sign of bad hygieneFact: The presence of pubic hair is a signifier of good sanitation. If someone has pubic hair, it does not mean that their intimate parts are unhygienic. On the contrary, pubic hair serves the purpose of trapping sweat, oil and bacteria. It also prevents harmful microorganisms from coming in contact with the fragile skin of the genitals. However, care has to be maintained in cleaning the pubes at regular intervals. Due to hair growth, there is a natural smell associated with the intimate parts which is completely natural and can be eradicated with a deep wash. Myth: Pubic hair makes sex less pleasurableFact: Many women and men as well believe that pubic hair causes friction between two bodies leading to a messy sexual act. However, the presence of pubic hair provides a natural cushion and grip while performing intimate acts with your partner. Additionally, it traps the exchange of bacteria and candida (fungi) which prevents you from acquiring infections. Myth: The colour of the hair on one’s head and pubic hair is sameFact: This statement is false as there is very minimal correlation between the colour on your head and the colour on your pubes. Doctors are of the opinion that there can be similarities, however, it all boils down to melanin. Melanin is the substance responsible for the production of hair and skin pigmentation. A high melanin would imply high growth of hair and darkening of body parts which undergo friction, for e.g. under arms and genitals. Due to increased friction down there, there will be an increased melanin production which can lead to darker hair down there. Myth: Pubic hair will grow endlesslyFact: Unlike the hair on our head which continues to grow, pubic hair does not grow forever. After reaching a certain point, it stops. This stage is subjective to each individual and the length at which it stops growing varies from person to person. The average range of pubic hair growth lies between 0.5 to 2.0 inches. Myth: One should never remove their pubic hairFact: This myth is not only wrong but can be life-risking as well for those who believe in it. If not cleaned for long, pubic care can cause abrasion, ingrown hairs, folliculitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Even dirt and sweat will get trapped in the hair leading to a bad odour. It can also lead to redness, burning, and itchiness down there. It is advised to remove pubic hair well within 40 days to ensure sanitation and hygiene in your private bits. Myth: Pubic hair wards off diseasesFact: The underlying fact is opposite in certain cases. If one does not clean their pubic hair at regular intervals they might be housing one or the other STD. As the pubic hair traps bacteria and other microorganisms, it needs a robust mechanism to wash off the dirt. If you are not cleaning them at proper intervals, your pubes can become a housing ground for a host of diseases. Purpose of pubic hair in human anatomy: 1 As with eyelashes and nasal hair, pubic hair has the potential benefit of preventing the entry of harmful bacteria into the genital areas. 2 Pubic hair offers protection against friction leading to skin irritation in this sensitive area. It helps to deal with the amount of sweat produced down there. It helps block your vagina/penis from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) 3 Pubic hair reduces the friction during sexual intimacy but providing a cushiony base. It also keeps the organs warm, increasing sexual pleasure. Tips to maintain clean pubic hair: 1. Whether you decide to grow pubic hair or keep them trimmed, cleaning and maintaining hygiene should be a daily ritual.2. Washing the hair with mild soap during the shower keeps the germs at bay and also removes dirt and discharge from getting stuck in there.3. Also, clean your intimate area thoroughly from front to back, after urinating and excreting.4. After Washing the hair, dab lightly with a dry towel to keep the area dry. Dampness of hair with wet undergarments is an invitation to infections. Safe measures for removing pubic hair: Hair removal creamThe safest and most painless way to get rid of hair down there are hair removal creams. Care has to be maintained in finding the right fit for your skin type to avoid any irritation or rashes. Keep the following measures in mind for a fail safe experience: a) Do allergy testing on small portion of skin on elbow before usingb) Avoid contact with vagina/ inner parts to avoid irritationc) Don't use expired products ShavingOne of the quickest ways to remove pubic hair is shaving. However, shaving can cause exfoliation of skin around the hair roots and thus facilitating the entry of bacteria inside causing boils. This is especially true if hygiene is not observed. While shaving, ensure the following: a) Use new blade after 2-3 usesb) Keep the razor blade dry, wash off hair after use, to prevent rusting. Never use a rusted bladec) Use shaving foam or soap for frictionless shavingd) Shave in direction of haire) Apply emollient after shaving to prevent irritationf) Use loose undergarments for few days to prevent friction with newly grown hair after shaving WaxingWaxing is another efficient way which not only removes pubic hair, but dead skin as well. The results are often long lasting with the next batch of hair appearing after 3-4 weeks. For people who prefer waxing, keep the following tips in mind:a) Avoid too hot wax to prevent burning of delicate pubic areab) Can seek professional helpc) Don't reuse the straps LASER treatmentThe pubic hair growth can be completely eradicated only with help of permanent hair removal solutions like LASER treatment. In LASER hair removal, a protective gel is applied on skin and then LASER current is applied. This causes damage to the hair root causing loss of hair. Multiple sessions are required for long lasting effects. How to take care of pubic hair in scorching heat?Dr Pratima shares a home remedy to maintain hygiene in private parts during the scorching heat of Mumbai. Soak the area in warm water to soften the hair. Apply a generous amount of unscented shaving cream, gel, or soap and shave it properly. It is better to wear an undergarment of breathable and loose fabric such as cotton to avoid odour and friction of hair. Do not use any chemical products down there.Also Read: Follow these 8 tips to nail the 'no-makeup' look
30 March,2023 12:27 PM IST | Mumbai | Ainie RizviThe civic body has asked all civic-run hospitals to keep beds ready for COVID patients. Also, the authority will ask private hospital to be prepared if cases start rising. BMC has decided to activate 4,000 beds for COVID patients step by step. We are monitoring the situation. COVID cases have risen but the situation is under control. Currently, there are 663 active patients in the city; only 52 patients are admitted to hospitals. “While patient admission is low, we are still closely monitoring the situation,” said a BMC official. “From experience, COVID cases generally rise during March and April. But there is no need for panic. The BMC is putting all systems in place,” said Additional Municipal Commissioner Dr. Sanjeev Kumar. Also Read: Mumbai: Sakinaka heroes who saved six lives Although we have the set-up for COVID beds, currently, this system is being used by general patients. We have started asking hospitals to reserve beds for COVID treatment, too,” said another BMC official. “ We are planning to arrange for 4,000 bed soon. SevenHills hospital, which is situated at Kalina, has an arrangement of 1,700 beds,” the official added. The number of patients has increased, but the number of hospitalisations is negligible. For this, 4,000 beds will serve in a phased manner instead of reserving all at one time. Also, we will not reserve beds at all civic-run hospitals. We have reserved beds in three major hospitals in the first phase,” the official stated. BMC to activate ward war room During the pick of COVID, BMC has set up a war room in every ward. Admission of patients and routine follow-ups were taken by this war room. Now, BMC decided to activate these war rooms again. “We have decided to activate war rooms from April 1. We will depute one MBBS doctor and one qualified social worker for management,” the official said.
30 March,2023 08:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Sameer SurveTo combat lifestyle, communicable and non-communicable diseases, the state government has invited major private hospitals to conduct medical campaigns and create awareness among the people. The commissioner of the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) also held a meeting recently at which all hospital authorities were present and some of them are positive about the move. The burden of disease is increasing in the state, including in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai. For prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of diseases and conditions such as tuberculosis, breast cancer, cataracts, thyroid and osteoporosis, DMER has already started a medical campaign in a phase-wise manner. Holding organ and blood donation drives is also on the to-do list of the government. On March 27, Rajeev Nivatkar, commissioner, medical education and research, Mumbai, held a meeting in which top officials of 12 private and six government and civic-run hospitals were in attendance. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure private hospitals’ participation. Also Read: Mumbai: Hours before discharge, man jumps to death from Nair hospital's 2nd floor On the condition of anonymity, a senior state government health official said, “The government has already started the campaign via breast clinics and blood donation drives in government medical colleges and district hospitals, but the participation of private healthcare institutions is also important. In the meeting, DMER officials invited private hospitals to join hands and run all eight medical campaigns on their premises.” The authorities of several hospitals are positive about participating. Lilavati hospital CEO Dr Ravishankar told mid-day, “We have attended the meeting and we will discuss the matter and do whatever is possible.” Fortis hospitals issued a statement, saying, “We haven’t received the official circular as yet; however, we are aware of the ask since our representative attended the meeting... We have begun planning for health camps, which will help vulnerable groups across Mumbai.” Nivatkar said, “Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan and the state government have taken a decision to go for a calendar campaign camp mission. This whole calendar year, campaigning will be done to create awareness and camps will be organised to help patients. We are doing these campaigns in government hospitals and we want charity hospitals and big hospitals to participate. We will prepare a proper plan in collaboration with private hospitals.” 27Day in March when the meet was held
30 March,2023 07:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj PandeyA release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,53,116 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 28). Among them, 2018 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 442 and 341, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas five H3N2 suspected death is also reported. It further said that 89 patients are hospitalised. However, the release added a note saying, "Apart from this, 1 suspicious death has been reported from Washim. The cause of all these deaths will be ascertained after post-mortem." Also read: Maharashtra: 73-year-old man who tested positive for H3N2 virus dies in Pimpri-Chinchwad As a part of preventive and remedial measures, the release stated that "routine patient survey for covid-19/influenza resident survey instructions have been issued." "Similarly, all District Health Officers, District Surgeons and Medical Health Officers of the state have been instructed by the VC," it read. The release also mentioned that "flu-like patients are treated without delay according to classification." "Isolation rooms have been set up in government hospitals as well as medical college hospitals in the state," it added.
29 March,2023 09:54 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s ‘Influenza status report Mumbai’ released on Tuesday, March 28, shows that the city reported 141 cases and zero deaths this year, 2023. The report shows 19, 46, and 76 cases were reported in January, February, and March (till March 27), respectively. “There are 14 patients admitted: 9 with H3N2 and 5 with H1N1. All of these patients are currently in stable condition,” read the report. Here is the list of measures that BMC said in its report that it has “undertaken to control Influenza in Mumbai”: Also read: Maha: Two die of suspected influenza; health machinery put on alert, says minister - Oseltamivir is made available free of cost in all Medical colleges, Municipal Hospitals, Dispensaries, and maternity homes in Mumbai. Sufficient stock of Oseltamivir is made available for treating the patients at respective institutions. Buffer stock to tackle any emergency is available at all major hospitals. - Testing Facility available at Kasturba Hospital (400 Kits Available) and KEM hospital (400 Kits Available) . Daily testing capacity of both hospitals is 200 samples each. - Admission facility in the form of Isolation beds is available at Kasturba Hospital, all the four Medical Colleges i.e. Sion, K.E.M, Cooper and Nair Hospital and 17 Peripheral Hospitals. The facility for ventilatory support is available at these hospitals. All the major Private Hospitals have facilities for treating Influenza positive patients. - Guidelines are circulated to all Private practitioners that if fever doesn’t subside within 24 hours Oseltamivir shall be immediately started without waiting for results of diagnostic tests (Swab is not mandatory in such cases). Also Guidelines are issued to Health post staff to conduct house to house surveys to identify fever patients and give health awareness activities in area. "Avoid visiting crowded places ,Cover nose while sneezing and coughing, Complete bed rest when suffering from fever, sore throat, cold, cough, body ache like symptoms," read the report citing it as "precautionary measures to be taken by citizens."
28 March,2023 03:57 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentTrained by experts from NIMHANS, doctors at civic-run dispensaries and 16 peripheral hospitals can now identify symptoms of mental health conditions, like stress, anxiety, depression, civic officials have said. Each HBT polyclinic will have two psychiatrists to take on serious cases. More than 300 doctors at BMC’s dispensaries or aapla dawakhana and peripheral hospitals have been trained, following the central government’s direction to all states for mental health programmes at district level. Requesting anonymity, a senior civic health official said, “Doctors at BMC dispensaries had been treating patients with cold, cough and fever, but now they have been trained to identify mental health illnesses, too. People can approach them if they think they need help.” Also Read: Mumbai logs 66 Covid-19 cases, state records 205 The BMC runs over 200 dispensaries, which have been converted into Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray (HBT) clinics and polyclinics to provide better services. Experts from the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) along with professionals from the state’s health department have been training the doctors. Dr Daksha Shah, the deputy executive health officer, BMC, said, “We started the training programme in March, as per the module prepared by NIMHANS. We have trained 300 doctors, and the training of 50 more will be complete by the end of March. This will help in identifying mental health issues in the people at primary level. Depending on the condition, patients will be referred to the psychiatrist. The BMC will appoint two psychiatrists at each HBT polyclinic for treatment.” The BMC also plans to spread awareness about the central government’s Tele MANAS, a toll-free helpline to avail mental health care service. People suffering from stress, anxiety, mood swings, etc. can call on 14416 or 1-800 891 4416 and counsellors will provide assistance. 300No. of doctors trained so far
28 March,2023 05:56 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj PandeyWhile undergoing chemotherapy, cancer patients tend to experience side effects. To provide relief to such patients in a timely manner, Tata Memorial Hospital has started a chemo care unit where assistance will be given over phone calls. Every day, over a thousand patients undergo chemotherapy at Tata Memorial Hospital. The medical oncology department of the hospital believes that more than 50 per cent of them experience side effects due to the treatment. Dr Kumar Prabhas from the department of medical oncology said that preparations for the project began in August 2022 and 10 nurses were trained for two months regarding the management of side effects related to chemotherapy. After this, the nurses were deployed to the chemo care unit in three shifts, so that patients can contact them 24×7. As a pilot project, the unit was started in November 2022 and has benefited more than 2,000 patients so far. Now, this service will be offered to patients permanently. How the unit operates When chemotherapy is prescribed, patients are given the telephone numbers of the chemo care unit which they can contact if they experience side effects after receiving chemotherapy. Nurses assess the severity of patients’ complaints and if they are minor, the nurses advise the patients about appropriate lifestyle or dietary modifications or suggest medicines that are already prescribed for the patient. If the complaints are found to be serious in nature, patients are advised to visit either the nearest clinic or the casualty department at Tata Memorial Hospital. Also Read: Gang of quacks runs amok in Mumbai cancer hospitals If a patient goes to a nearby clinic or hospital, the nurses coordinate with the doctors there and ensure that the patient’s complaints are addressed. And if the patient visits Tata Memorial Hospital’s casualty department, the nurses coordinate with the on-call doctor and ensure that the patients are treated in the shortest possible time. A logbook is also maintained by nurses and it contains details such as the patient’s name, case number, chemotherapy drugs, complaints, interventions made by nurses, resolution/nonresolution of problems and a schedule to ensure that the problem is solved.
28 March,2023 05:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Suraj PandeyA release by the Maharashtra government on Thursday showed that the state reported 3,36,518 suspected influenza cases in 2023 (From January 1 to March 26). Among them, 1851 suspected flu patients were given oseltamivir -- an antiviral medication used to treat and prevent influenza A and influenza B, viruses that cause the flu. It further shows that the number of infected patients of H1N1 and H3N2 during the same period are 432 and 318, respectively. While three deaths are reported due to H1N1 infection, whereas one H3N2 suspected death is also reported. However, the release added a note saying, "Apart from this 3 suspicious deaths have been reported. Out of which 1 death is from Washim, 1 death is from Khadki Cantonment Board and 1 death is from Pune Municipal. The cause of all these deaths will be ascertained after post-mortem." Also read: Maharashtra: 73-year-old man who tested positive for H3N2 virus dies in Pimpri-Chinchwad As a part of preventive and remedial measures, the release stated that "routine patient survey for covid-19/influenza resident survey instructions have been issued." "Similarly, all District Health Officers, District Surgeons and Medical Health Officers of the state have been instructed by the VC," it read. The release also mentioned that "flu-like patients are treated without delay according to classification." "Isolation rooms have been set up in government hospitals as well as medical college hospitals in the state," it added.
27 March,2023 10:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
